LED driver circuit and method

ABSTRACT

An LED driver circuit and a method for driving the LED driver circuit. In accordance with an embodiment the LED driver circuit includes a voltage follower circuit and a calibration circuit coupled to the voltage follower circuit. First and second currents may be injected into the node and a current is sunk from the node. In accordance with another embodiment, the LED driver circuit asserts a non-zero voltage across the light emitting diode in a first phase of a drive cycle and asserts a fixed non-zero current in the light emitting diode in a second phase of the drive cycle.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates, in general, to electronics and, moreparticularly, to methods of forming semiconductor devices and structure.

In the past, the electronics industry used Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)for a variety of applications. Improvements in the quality andefficiency of LEDs facilitated the use of LEDs in automotive lightingapplications such as for brake lights and taillights. Further advancesin LEDs facilitated the use for more traditional AC lightingapplications such as traffic lights, fluorescent lights, street lightsand other lighting applications. Typical control systems for LEDapplications converted an AC waveform into a DC voltage and used this DCvoltage to power the LEDs. Systems to control LEDs are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,285,139 issued to Mohamed Ghanem on Sep. 4, 2001 and U.S.Pat. No. 6,989,807 issued to Johnson Chiang on Jan. 24, 2006. Most suchLED control systems had a high cost. Other systems to control LEDs aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,038,016, 6,150,774, and 6,806,659 issuedto Mueller et al. on Jan. 18, 2000, Nov. 21, 2000, and Oct. 19, 2004,respectively.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a method and circuit fordriving one or more LEDs. In addition, it is desirable for the methodand circuit to be cost and time efficient to implement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood from a reading of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing figures, in which like reference charactersdesignate like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a portion of an LED driver circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an LED lighting system in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

For simplicity and clarity of the illustration, elements in the figuresare not necessarily to scale, and the same reference characters indifferent figures denote the same elements. Additionally, descriptionsand details of well-known steps and elements are omitted for simplicityof the description. As used herein current carrying electrode means anelement of a device that carries current through the device such as asource or a drain of an MOS transistor or an emitter or a collector of abipolar transistor or a cathode or anode of a diode, and a controlelectrode means an element of the device that controls current flowthrough the device such as a gate of an MOS transistor or a base of abipolar transistor. Although the devices are explained herein as certainN-channel or P-channel devices, or certain N-type of P-type dopedregions, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatcomplementary devices are also possible in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in theart that the words during, while, and when as used herein are not exactterms that mean an action takes place instantly upon an initiatingaction but that there may be some small but reasonable delay, such as apropagation delay, between the reaction that is initiated by the initialaction. The use of the word approximately or substantially means that avalue of an element has a parameter that is expected to be very close toa stated value or position. However, as is well known in the art thereare always minor variances that prevent the values or positions frombeing exactly as stated. It is well established in the art thatvariances of up to about ten percent (10%) (and up to twenty percent(20%) for semiconductor doping concentrations) are regarded asreasonable variances from the ideal goal of exactly as described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally the present invention provides a Light Emitting Diode (LED)driver circuit and a method for driving an LED. In accordance withembodiments of the present invention, the LED driver is configured tooperate in a high light emission state or a low light emission state. Inan aspect, current flows through one or more LEDS in the high and lowlight emission states. However, the intensity of the light emitted inthe high light emission state is much greater than the intensity of thelight emitted in the low light emission state. Thus, in the low lightemission state the intensity of the light emitted by the one or morediodes may be sufficiently low as to appear off.

In accordance with other embodiments, current may flow through the oneor more LEDs in the high light emission state and may not flow throughthe one or more LEDs during the low light emission state.

FIG. 1 is a circuit schematic of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) drivercircuit 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.LED driver circuit 10 includes a level shift circuit 12 and a currentsource 14 connected to a voltage follower circuit 16 and a plurality ofinput/output (I/O) nodes 18, 20, and 22. It should be noted that levelshift circuit 12, current source 14, and voltage follower circuit 16 maybe monolithically integrated into a single semiconductor substrate or asingle semiconductor material. In embodiments in which I/O nodes 18, 20,and 22 are connected to or serve as input/output pins of driver circuit10, I/O nodes 18, 20, and 22 may be referred to as input/output (I/O)pins. I/O nodes 18, 20, and 22 may also be referred to as I/O terminals.By way of example, voltage follower circuit 16 may be comprised of anoperational amplifier 24 coupled to a field effect transistor 26. Moreparticularly, operational amplifier 24 has a noninverting input 28, aninverting input 30, and an output 32 and transistor 26 may be a fieldeffect transistor having a gate, a source, and a drain, where output 32of operational amplifier 24 is connected to the gate of transistor 26and inverting input 30 is connected to the source of transistor 26.Input 28 may serve as the input of voltage follower circuit 16 and thecommonly connected inverting input 30 and the source of transistor 26may serve as the output of voltage follower circuit 16. Current source14 has a terminal that may serve as or alternatively may be connected toI/O node 18 and a terminal connected to the drain of field effecttransistor 26 to form a node that may serve as or alternatively may beconnected to I/O node 20.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, level shiftcircuit 12 may include a field effect transistor 34 and a plurality ofresistors 36, 38, and 40. Resistor 36 is coupled between the drain andsource of field effect transistor 34 where the source and a terminal ofresistor 36 are commonly coupled for receiving a source of operatingpotential V_(SS). By way of example, source of operating potentialV_(SS) is ground potential. Resistor 38 is coupled between the drain offield effect transistor 34 and noninverting input 28 of operationalamplifier 24 and resistor 40 has a terminal commonly connected toresistor 38 and input 28, and a terminal coupled for receiving a sourceof operating potential V_(DD). Alternatively, resistor 40 may be coupledfor receiving a reference potential V_(REF). The gate of field effecttransistor 34 serves as an input 13 of level shift circuit 12 and may becoupled for receiving pulse width modulation signals (V_(PWM)).

In operation, a circuit element 42 is coupled between I/O node 18 andI/O node 20 and a set resistor 44 may be connected between I/O node 22and a source of operating potential such as, for example, V_(SS). By wayof example, circuit element 42 is a light emitting diode in which itsanode is connected to I/O node 18 and its cathode is connected to I/Onode 20. Current source 14 injects a bypass current I_(BYPASS) into I/Onode 20 and a set current I_(SET) is sunk from I/O node 22. Set currentI_(SET) is generated in accordance with Ohm's Law by developing avoltage across set resistor 44. More particularly, set current I_(SET)is generated in accordance with a pulse width modulation signal V_(PWM)appearing at input 13 such that level shift circuit 12 transmits a biasvoltage V_(BIAS) to noninverting input 28 of voltage follower circuit16. It should be noted that voltage follower circuit 16 and set resistor44 cooperate to form a current generation circuit. In response to alogic low voltage level appearing at input 13, transistor 34 is off andbias voltage V_(BIAS) is determined as a voltage divider relationshipbetween resistors 36-40 and voltage sources V_(SS) and V_(DD) or voltagesources V_(SS) and V_(REF) and has a voltage level V_(BIAS1). Inresponse to a logic high voltage level appearing at input 13, transistor34 is on and bias voltage V_(BIAS) is determined from a voltage dividerrelationship between resistors 38 and 40, the parallel combination ofthe on-resistance of transistor 34 and resistor 36 and voltage sourcesV_(SS) and V_(DD) or voltage sources V_(SS) and V_(REF) and has avoltage level V_(BIAS2), where voltage V_(BIAS1) is greater than voltageV_(BIAS2).

Because operational amplifier 24 is configured as a voltage follower,the voltage appearing at noninverting input 28 appears at invertinginput 30 and therefore at I/O node 22. In accordance with embodiments inwhich voltage V_(SS) is at ground potential, voltage V_(BIAS) appearsacross resistor 44 and a current I_(SET) flows through resistor 44.Thus, in response to voltage V_(BIAS) appearing at noninverting input 28being at voltage level V_(BIAS1), a set current I_(SET) having a valueor current level of I_(SET1) flows through set resistor 44 and inresponse to voltage V_(BIAS) appearing at noninverting input 28 being atvoltage level V_(BIAS2), set current I_(SET) flows through set resistor44, where current I_(SET) has a value or current level of I_(SET2). Itshould be noted that currents I_(SET1) and I_(SET2) are greater thanbypass current I_(BYPASS). Kirchoff's Current Law provides that the sumof the currents entering a node equals the sum of the currents leavingthat node. To comply with Kirchoff's Current Law, the sum the currentsat I/O node 20 is substantially equal to zero. Bypass current,I_(BYPASS), and the current flowing through LED 42, i.e., currentI_(LED), flows into I/O node 20. The current flowing out of I/O node 20is substantially equal to the source-to-drain current of field effecttransistor 26. Because the source-to-drain current flows into node 22,the current flowing out of I/O node 20 is equal to set current I_(SET).Thus, set current I_(SET) substantially equals the sum of bypass currentI_(BYPASS) and LED current I_(LED).

As discussed above, set current I_(SET) may have a value or currentlevel I_(SET1) or a value or current level I_(SET2) where both currentlevels I_(SET1) and I_(SET2) are greater than the current level ofbypass current I_(BYPASS). In accordance with embodiments in which setcurrent I_(SET) is at a current level I_(SET1), the current I_(SET) ismuch larger than current I_(BYPASS), thus LED current I_(LED) issufficiently large, as set forth by Kirchoff's Current Law, to cause LED42 to emit light having a high intensity. In accordance with embodimentsin which set current I_(SET) is at a current level I_(SET2), currentI_(SET) is minimally larger than current I_(BYPASS), and, in accordancewith Kirchoff's Current Law, LED current I_(LED) flows through LED 42and is injected into I/O node 20. Although current I_(LED) flows andcauses LED 42 to emit light, the intensity of the light emitted by LED42 is much less than that emitted when operating in the high lightemission state. Accordingly, LED 42 is in a low light emission state.

Thus, LED driver circuit 10 is configured to receive a drive signalhaving a phase in which a non-zero voltage is asserted across the lightemitting diode and another phase in which a fixed non-zero current isasserted in the light emitting diode. In response to the assertion ofthe non-zero current in the light emitting diode set current I_(SET2) issunk from I/O node 20 and bypass current I_(BYPASS) is injected into I/Onode 20. As discussed above, current I_(SET2) is minimally greater thanbypass current I_(BYPASS) and the difference between currents I_(SET2)and I_(BYPASS) substantially equals the non-zero current, i.e., LEDcurrent I_(LED). In response to set current ISET having current levelISET1, a large current flows through LED 42 and a non-zero voltage isasserted across LED 42.

Thus, LED driver circuit 10 operates in a constant current conductionmode in which LED current I_(LED) continuously flows through LED 42.

FIG. 1A is a circuit schematic of an LED driver circuit 10 that drives aplurality of LEDs 42A₁-42A_(n), where n is an integer.

FIG. 2 is a circuit schematic of an LED driver circuit 100 in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. LED driver circuit 100includes a j-bit Digital-to-Analog (DAC) circuit 102, a controlledcurrent source 106, and a calibration stage 108 connected to a voltagefollower circuit 16 and a plurality of I/O nodes 18, 20, and 22. Itshould be noted that DAC 102 is a j-bit DAC where j is an integerindicating the number of inputs of DAC 102. By way of example, when j is4, DAC 102 is a 4-bit DAC having four inputs for receiving a four bitsignal. DAC 102, current source 106, voltage follower circuit 16, andcalibration stage 108 may be monolithically integrated into a singlesemiconductor substrate or a single semiconductor material. The currentprovided to I/O node 20 by current source 116 is identified by referencecharacter I₁₁₆. Calibration stage 108 may be referred to as acompensation stage. In embodiments in which I/O nodes 18, 20, and 22 areconnected to or serve as I/O pins of driver circuit 100, I/O nodes 18,20, and 22 are referred to as I/O pins. I/O nodes 18, 20, and 22 mayalso be referred to as I/O terminals. By way of example, voltagefollower circuit 16 may be comprised of an operational amplifier 24coupled to a field effect transistor 26. More particularly, operationalamplifier 24 has a noninverting input 28, an inverting input 30, and anoutput 32 and transistor 26 may be a field effect transistor having agate, a source, and a drain, where output 32 of operational amplifier 24is connected to the gate of transistor 26 and inverting input 30 isconnected to the source of transistor 26. Current source 106 has aterminal that may serve as or alternatively may be connected to I/O node18 and a terminal connected to the drain of field effect transistor 110to form a node that may serve as or alternatively may be connected toI/O node 20. The current provided to I/O node 20 by current source 106is identified by reference character I₁₀₆. Current source 106 isconfigured such that current I₁₀₆ compensates for the difference betweencurrent I₁₁₆ and current I_(SET). Field effect transistor 110 has a gatecoupled for receiving a source of operating potential V_(DD), a sourceconnected to the drain of transistor 26, and a drain connected to I/Onode 20. It should be noted that field effect transistor 110 is anoptional element that may be absent from LED driver circuit 100.Transistor 26 may be configured to have a large drain-to-source voltagein embodiments in which transistor 110 is absent.

An output of j-bit DAC 102 is connected to noninverting input 28 ofoperational amplifier 24 and an input of j-bit DAC 102 is coupled forreceiving PWM signals V_(PWM) at terminal 103.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,calibration circuit 108 may include a controller 113 comprising adigital control circuit 114 having an n-bit output coupled to a controlterminal of a controlled current source 116 through an n-bit current DAC118, where n is an integer. Thus, digital control circuit 114 convertsan input signal into an n-bit output signal. It should be noted that DAC118 is an n-bit DAC where n is an integer indicating the number ofinputs of DAC 118. By way of example, when n is 6, DAC 118 is a 6-bitDAC having six inputs for receiving a six bit signal. Controlled currentsource 116 has a terminal commonly connected to controlled currentsource 106 and to I/O node 20 and a terminal commonly connected tocontrolled current source 106 and to I/O node 18. Calibration circuit108 further includes an operational amplifier 120 and a comparator 130.Operational amplifier 120 has an inverting input 122, a non-invertinginput 124, and an output 126, where inverting input 122 is commonlyconnected to controlled current source 106, controlled current source116, and to the drain of transistor 110 at I/O node 20. Comparator 130has a noninverting input 134, an inverting input 132, and an output 136.Noninverting input 134 is commonly connected to noninverting input 124of operational amplifier 120 and to voltage source 138. Inverting input132 is commonly connected to inverting input 122 of operationalamplifier 124, controlled current source 106, controlled current source116, the drain of transistor 110, and I/O node 20. Output 136 ofcomparator 130 is connected to an input of digital control circuit 114.Voltage source 138 is connected between non-inverting input 124 ofoperational amplifier 120 and I/O node 18. It should be noted thatvoltage source 138 is also connected between inverting input 134 ofcomparator 130 and I/O node 18.

In operation, a circuit element 42 is connected between I/O node 18 andI/O node 20, a set resistor 44 is connected between I/O node 22 and asource of operating potential such as, for example, V_(SS), and I/O node18 is coupled for receiving a source of potential V_(DD). By way ofexample, circuit element 42 is a light emitting diode having an anodeconnected to I/O node 18 and a cathode connected to I/O node 20. Asdiscussed with reference to LED driver circuit 10, a set current I_(SET)is sunk from I/O node 20, which is generated in accordance with Ohm'sLawby developing a voltage across set resistor 44.

LED driver circuit 100 operates in a calibration phase or in an activephase in accordance with signals V_(PWM) that appear at input 103. Thecalibration phase may be referred to as a compensation phase, acompensation mode, or a calibration mode. The calibration and activephases may be referred to as operating phases. In the calibration phase,input signals V_(PWM) appearing at input 103 are converted by j-bit DAC102 into an analog signal having a level indicative of operation in thelow light emission state. Similarly, in the active phase input signalsVp_(PWM) appearing at input 103 are converted by j-bit DAC 102 into ananalog signal having a level indicative of operation in the high lightemission state. For example, with DAC 102 being a 4-bit DAC, the outputof 4-bit DAC 102 for the low light emission state may be 20 millivoltsand the output of 4-bit DAC 102 for the high light emission state may be320 millivolts. It should be noted that in response to the signals atinput 103 being in the calibration phase, current I_(SET) having acurrent level I_(SET2) flows through set resistor 44 and in response tothe signals at input 103 being in the active phase, current I_(SET)having a current level I_(SET1) flows through set resistor 44.

In response to the PWM signals V_(PWM) indicating operation in the lowlight emission state, LED driver circuit 100 operates in the calibrationphase and in response to the PWM signals indicating operation in thehigh light emission state LED driver circuit 100 operates in the activephase. LED driver circuit 100 uses calibration circuit 108 to calibratethe voltage appearing at I/O node 20 to compensate for current changescaused by resistor 44, errors introduced by temperature variation,offset errors associated with operational amplifier 120 or comparator130, variations caused by the age of one or more circuit elements, orthe like. During the calibration phase, LED driver circuit 100calibrates current source 116 such that the combination of currentsource 116 and current source 106 sources currents that maintain thevoltage at I/O node 20 (and thus the voltage at inverting input 122 ofoperational amplifier 120 and at inverting input 132 of comparator 130)at a level that is substantially equal to one volt less than voltageV_(DD), i.e., (V_(DD)−1) volts.

More particularly, in response to signal V_(PWM) at input 103corresponding to the calibration phase, current source 116 is adjustedto compensate for the current I_(sErz) that flows through set resistor44 such that the voltage at I/O node 22 is (V_(DD)−1) volts. The valueof current I_(SET2) is substantially equal to the voltage at input 28 ofvoltage follower circuit 16 (plus or minus any offset voltage) minusvoltage V_(SS) divided by the resistance value of set resistor 44. Forexample, the voltage at input 28 may be 20 millivolts, the offsetvoltage may be zero, the resistance value of set resistor 44 may be 10Ohms, and voltage V_(SS) may be zero. In this example, current I_(SET)has a value of I_(SET2) which is substantially equal to 2 milliamps.Comparator 130 is used to determine if the voltage at I/O node 20 isbelow or above the voltage equal to the difference between voltageV_(DD) and 1 volt, i.e., (V_(D1)−1) volts. If the voltage at I/O node 20is greater than (V_(DD)−1) volts, then the sum of current I₁₁₆ andcurrent I₁₀₆ has a value that is greater than current level I_(SET2).Thus, the voltage signal at the output of comparator 130 is at a logiclow voltage. Control circuit 113 generates an “n” bit signal thatdecrements the signal of n-bit current DAC 118 by one LSB current unit,i.e., the level of current I₁₁₆ is decremented by the amount of currentassociated with the least significant bit. If the voltage at I/O node 20is less than (V_(DD)−1) volts, then the sum of current I₁₁₆ and currentI₁₀₆ has a value that is less than current level I_(SET2). Thus, thevoltage signal at the output of comparator 130 is at a logic highvoltage level. Control circuit 113 generates an “n” bit signal thatincrements the signal of n-bit current DAC 118 by one LSB current unit,i.e., the level of current I₁₁₆ is incremented by the amount of currentassociated with the least significant bit. Because current DAC 118 is ann-bit current DAC, there is granularity in its output current signalwhich inhibits setting current I₁₁₆ to be exactly equal to currentI_(SET). By way of example, a current equal to one least significant bitmay be 60 microamperes. Thus, decreasing current I₁₁₆ by one leastsignificant bit decreases current I₁₁₆ by 60 microamperes and increasingcurrent I₁₁₆ by one least significant bit increases current I₁₁₆ by 60microamperes. Preferably, this determination is made in response to eachcalibration phase. Thus, during each calibration phase the code forn-bit current DAC 118 will increase or decrease successively until thesum of currents I₁₁₆ and I₁₀₆ approximately equals the current I_(SET2)and the voltage imposed on LED 42 is one volt. As discussed above, thiscalibration compensates for offset of the amplifier, mismatches ofcircuit elements, and current variations over temperature.

In response to signal V_(PWM) at input 103 corresponding to the activephase, current I_(SET) has a value of I_(SET1) and the current I_(LED)that flows through LED 42 is substantially equal to current I_(SET1)minus current I₁₁₆ minus the current equal to one least significant bit,i.e., I_(LED)=I_(SET1)−I₁₁₆−I₁₀₆. If current I₁₁₆ is approximately equalto current level I_(SET2), i.e., the current level of current I_(SET)corresponding to the calibration phase, then current I_(LED) isapproximately equal to current level I_(SET1)−I₁₁₆ with a maximum errorequivalent to twice the amount corresponding to the least significantbit. It should be noted that current source 116 provides a coarsecurrent adjustment and operational amplifier 120 and current source 106cooperate to provide a fine current adjustment so that the voltage atnoninverting inputs 124 and 134 is one volt below the voltage at I/Onode 18. This pulls the voltage at inverting inputs 122 and 132, hencethe voltage at I/O node 20 and the cathode of LED 42, closer to one voltlower than the voltage at I/O node 18. It should be further understoodthat up to one least significant bit (ILSB) of current can be derivedfrom operational amplifier 120 and current source 106 and the rest ofthe current is derived from current source 116, where current source 116provides a discrete value and operational amplifier 120 and currentsource 106 cooperate to provide a continuum of current values. Thus,operational amplifier 120 and current source 106 cooperate to compensatefor a difference between current level I_(SET1) and current I₁₁₆ withina window of plus or minus one least significant bit. In the activephase, current I₁₀₆ from current source 106 may change by one LSBbecause the voltage at inverting input 122 is changing. For example, thevoltage at input 28 may be 320 millivolts, the offset voltage may bezero, the resistance value of set resistor 44 may be 10 Ohms, andvoltage V_(SS) may be zero. The maximum change in current introduced bythe combination of operational amplifier 120 and current source 106 isplus or minus the current value of one least significant bit. In thisexample, current I_(SET) has a value of I_(SET1) which is substantiallyequal to 32 milliamps and the current value of one least significant bitis 60 μA. Thus, current I_(LED) is substantially equal to 32 mA-2 mA-120μA which is approximately equal to 30 mA, which causes LED 42 to emitlight at a high intensity. It should be appreciated that the currentchange introduced by operational amplifier 120 and current source 106may be less than the current associated with plus or minus one leastsignificant bit, i.e., it can 0 μA, 60 μA, or −60 μA.

As discussed with reference to LED driver circuit 10, set currentI_(SET) may have a value or current level I_(SET1) or a value or currentlevel I_(SET2) where both levels I_(SET1) and I_(SET2) are greater thanthe level of the sum of current I₁₀₆ from current source 106 and currentI₁₁₆ from current source 116. In accordance with embodiments in whichset current I_(SET) is at a current level I_(SET1), the current I_(SET)is much larger than the sum of current I₁₀₆ and current I₁₁₆, thus, fromKirchofrs Current Law, an LED current I_(LED) flows through LED 42causing it to emit light. LED 42 operating under this condition is saidto be operating in a high light emission state. In accordance withembodiments in which set current I_(SET) is at a current level I_(SET2),current I_(SET) is minimally larger than the sum of currents I₁₀₆ andI₁₁₆, and in accordance with Kirchoff's Current Law, LED current I_(LED)flows through LED 42 into I/O node 20 such that LED 42 emits light.Thus, LED 42 emits light during the high light emission state and duringthe low light emission state. The highest intensity of the lightemission by LED 42 occurs during the on portion of the current period ofLED 42, i.e., when current I_(SET) is at current level I_(SET1). Becausethe intensity of the light emitted by LED 42 is much smaller during theoff portion of the current period, i.e., when current I_(SET) is atcurrent level I_(SET2), or during the low light emission state, thecontribution of light during the off portion to the average value of thelight emission during a period of the LED is small and substantiallyunaffected by the current level during the low light emission state.

Because the voltage drop across LED 42 is clamped to no less than onevolt, LED driver circuit 100 operates in a constant current conductionmode in which LED current I_(LED) continuously flows through LED 42.

FIG. 2A is a circuit schematic of an LED driver circuit 100 that drivesa plurality of LEDs 42A₁-42A_(n), where n is an integer.

FIG. 2B is a circuit schematic of an LED driver circuit that drives anLED 42A wherein current source 116 shown in FIG. 2 has been replaced bya transistor 116A having a control electrode connected to current D/Aconverter 118, a current carrying electrode connected to input/outputnode 18, and a current carrying electrode connected to input/output node20.

FIG. 3 is a circuit schematic of an LED driver circuit 100A inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Like LEDdriver circuit 100, LED driver circuit 100A includes j-bit DAC 102,voltage follower circuit 16, field effect transistor 110, controller113, comparator 130, voltage source 138, and current source 116.Operational amplifier 120 and controlled current source 106 are replacedby an operational transconductance amplifier 120A, which has aninverting input 122A, a noninverting input 124A, and an output 126A.Thus, the reference character “A” has been appended to referencecharacter “108” to identify the calibration stage. It should beunderstood that j-bit DAC 102, voltage follower circuit 16, transistor110, and calibration stage 108A may be monolithically integrated into asingle semiconductor substrate or a single semiconductor material.Noninverting input 134 of comparator 130 and noninverting input 124A ofoperational transconductance amplifier 120A are commonly connectedtogether and to voltage source 138, inverting input 132 of comparator130 and inverting input 122A of operational transconductance amplifier120A are commonly connected together and to output 126A, I/O node 20,the drain terminal of field effect transistor 110, and to a terminal ofcurrent source 116.

In response to the signal at input 103 being in the calibration phase,current I_(SET) having a current level I_(SET2) flows through setresistor 44 and in response to the signal at input 103 being in theactive phase, current I_(SET) having a current level I_(SET1) flowsthrough set resistor 44. The current provided to I/O node 20 byoperational transconductance amplifier 120A is identified by referencecharacter I₁₂₀A.

In operation, a circuit element 42 is connected between I/O node 18 andI/O node 20, a set resistor 44 is connected between I/O node 22 and asource of operating potential such as, for example, V_(SS), and I/O node18 is coupled for receiving a source of potential V_(DD). By way ofexample, circuit element 42 is a light emitting diode having an anodeconnected to I/O node 18 and a cathode connected to I/O node 20. Asdiscussed with reference to LED driver circuit 10, a set current I_(SET)is sunk from I/O node 20, which is generated in accordance with Ohm'sLaw by developing a voltage across set resistor 44.

Like LED driver circuit 100, LED driver circuit 100A operates in acalibration phase or in an active phase in accordance with signalsV_(PWM) that appear at input 103. The calibration phase may be referredto as a compensation phase, a compensation mode, or a calibration mode.In the calibration phase, input signals V_(PWM) appearing at input 103are converted by j-bit DAC 102 into an analog signal having a levelindicative of operation in the low light emission state. Similarly, inthe active phase input signals V_(PWM) appearing at input 103 areconverted by j-bit DAC 102 into an analog signal having a levelindicative of operation in the high tight emission state. For example,with DAC 102 being a 4-bit DAC, the output of 4-bit DAC 102 for the lowlight emission state may be 20 millivolts and the output of 4-bit DAC102 for the high light emission state may be 320 millivolts. It shouldbe noted that in response to the signals at input 103 being in thecalibration phase, current I_(SET) having a current level I_(SET2) flowsthrough set resistor 44 and in response to the signals at input 103being in the active phase, current I_(SET) having a current levelI_(SET1) flows through set resistor 44.

In response to the PWM signals V_(PWM) indicating operation in the lowlight emission state, LED driver circuit 100A operates in thecalibration phase and in response to the PWM signals indicatingoperation in the high light emission state LED driver circuit 100Aoperates in the active phase. LED driver circuit 100A uses calibrationcircuit 108A to calibrate the voltage appearing at I/O node 20 tocompensate for current changes caused by resistor 44, errors introducedby temperature variation, offset errors associated with operationalamplifier 120 or comparator 130, variations caused by the age of one ormore circuit elements, or the like. During the calibration phase, LEDdriver circuit 100A calibrates current source 116 such that thecombination of current source 116 and operational transconductanceamplifier 120A sources currents that maintain the voltage at I/O node 20(and thus the voltage at inverting input 122 of operationaltransconductance amplifier 120A and at inventing input 132 of comparator130) at a level that is substantially equal to one volt less thanvoltage V_(DD), i.e., (V_(DD)−1) volts.

More particularly, in response to signal V_(PWM) at input 103corresponding to the calibration phase, current source 116 is adjustedto compensate for the current I_(SET2) that flows through set resistor44 such that the voltage at I/O node 22 is (V_(DD)−1) volts. The valueof current I_(SET2) is substantially equal to the voltage at input 28 ofvoltage follower circuit 16 (plus or minus any offset voltage) minusvoltage V_(SS) divided by the resistance value of set resistor 44. Forexample, the voltage at input 28 may be 20 millivolts, the offsetvoltage may be zero, the resistance value of set resistor 44 may be 10Ohms, and voltage V_(SS) may be zero. In this example, current I_(SET)has a value of I_(SET2) which is substantially equal to 2 milliamps.Comparator 130 is used to determine if the voltage at I/O node 20 isbelow or above the voltage equal to the difference between voltageV_(DD) and 1 volt, i.e., (V_(DD)−1) volts. If the voltage at I/O node 20is greater than (V_(DD)−1) volts, then the sum of current I₁₁₆ andcurrent I₁₂₀A has a value that is greater than current level I_(SET2).Thus, the voltage signal at the output of comparator 130 is at a logiclow voltage. Control circuit 113 generates an “n” bit signal thatdecrements the signal of n-bit current DAC 118 by one LSB current unit,i.e., the level of current I₁₁₆ is decremented by the amount of currentassociated with the least significant bit. If the voltage at I/O node 20is less than (V_(DD)−1) volts, then the sum of current I₁₁₆ and currentI₁₂₀A has a value that is less than current level I_(SET2). Thus, thevoltage signal at the output of comparator 130 is at a logic highvoltage level. Control circuit 113 generates an “n” bit signal thatincrements the signal of n-bit current DAC 118 by one LSB current unit,i.e., the level of current I₁₁₆ is incremented by the amount of currentassociated with the least significant bit. Because current DAC 118 is ann-bit current DAC, there is granularity in its output current signalwhich inhibits setting current I₁₁₆ to be exactly equal to currentI_(SET). By way of example, a current equal to one least significant bitmay be 60 microamperes. Thus, decreasing current I₁₁₆ by one leastsignificant bit decreases the current by 60 microamperes and increasingcurrent I₁₁₆ by one least significant bit increases current I₁₁₆ by 60microamperes. Preferably, this determination is made in response to eachcalibration phase. Thus, during each calibration phase the code forn-bit current DAC 118 will increase or decrease successively until thesum of currents I₁₁₆ and I_(120A) approximately equals the currentI_(SET2) and the voltage imposed on LED 42 is one volt. As discussedabove, this calibration compensates for offset of the amplifier,mismatches of circuit elements, and current variations over temperature.

In response to PWM signals V_(PWM) at input 103 corresponding to theactive phase, current I_(SET) has a value of I_(SET1) and the currentI_(LED) that flows through LED 42 is substantially equal to currentI_(SET1) minus current I₁₁₆ minus the current equal to one leastsignificant bit, i.e., I_(LED)=I_(SET1)−I₁₁₆−I_(120A). If current I₁₁₆is approximately equal to current level I_(SET2), i.e., the currentlevel of current I_(SET) corresponding to the calibration phase, thencurrent I_(LED) is approximately equal to current level I_(SET1)−I₁₁₆with a maximum error equivalent to twice the amount corresponding to theleast significant bit. It should be noted that current source 116provides a coarse current adjustment and operational transconductanceamplifier 120A provides a fine current adjustment so that the voltage atnoninverting inputs 124A and 134 is one volt below the voltage at I/Onode 18. This pulls the voltage at inverting inputs 122A and 132, hencethe voltage at I/O node 20 and the cathode of LED 42, closer to one voltlower than the voltage at I/O node 18. It should be further understoodthat up to one least significant bit (1LSB) of current can be derivedfrom operational transconductance amplifier 120A and the rest of thecurrent is derived from current source 116, where current source 116provides a discrete value and operational transconductance amplifier120A provides a continuum of current values. Thus, operationaltransconductance amplifier 120A compensates for a difference betweencurrent level I_(SET1) and current I₁₁₆ within a window of plus or minusone least significant bit. In the active phase, current I_(120A) fromoperational transconductance amplifier 120A may change by one LSBbecause the voltage at inverting input 122A is changing. For example,the voltage at input 28 may be 320 millivolts, the offset voltage may bezero, the resistance value of set resistor 44 may be 10 Ohms, andvoltage V_(SS) may be zero. The maximum change in current introduced byoperational transconductance amplifier 120A is plus or minus the currentvalue of one least significant bit. In this example, current I_(SET) hasa value of I_(SET1) which is substantially equal to 32 milliamps and thecurrent value of one least significant bit is 60 μA. Thus, currentI_(LED) is substantially equal to 32 mA−2 mA−120 μA which isapproximately equal to 30 mA, which causes LED 42 to emit light at ahigh intensity. It should be appreciated that the current changeintroduced by operational transconductance amplifier 120A may be lessthan the current associated with plus or minus one least significantbit, i.e., it can 0 μA, 60 μA, or −60 μA.

As discussed with reference to LED driver circuit 10, set currentI_(SET) may have a value or current level I_(SET1) or a value or currentlevel I_(SET2) where both levels I_(SET1) and I_(SET2) are greater thanthe level of the sum of current I₁₂₀A from operational transconductanceamplifier 120A and current I₁₁₆ from current source 116. In accordancewith embodiments in which set current I_(SET) is at a current levelI_(SET1), current I_(SET) is much larger than the sum of current I₁₂₀Aand current I₁₁₆, thus, from Kirchoff's Current Law, an LED currentI_(LED) flows through LED 42 causing it to emit light. LED 42 operatingunder this condition is said to be operating in a high light emissionstate. In accordance with embodiments in which set current I_(SET) is ata current level I_(SET2), current I_(SET) is minimally larger than thesum of currents I₁₂₀A and I₁₁₆, and in accordance with Kirchoff'sCurrent Law, LED current I_(LED) flows through LED 42 into I/O node 20such that LED 42 emits light. Thus, LED 42 emits light during the highlight emission state and during the low light emission state. Thehighest intensity of the light emission by LED 42 occurs during the onportion of the current period of LED 42, i.e., when current I_(SET) isat current level I_(SET1). Because the intensity of the light emitted byLED 42 is much smaller during the off portion of the current period,i.e., when current I_(SET) is at current level I_(SET2), or during thelow light emission state, the contribution of light during the offportion to the average value of the light emission during a period ofthe LED is small and substantially unaffected by the current levelduring the low light emission state.

Because the voltage drop across LED 42 is clamped to no less than onevolt, LED driver circuit 100A operates in a constant current conductionmode in which LED current I_(LED) continuously flows through LED 42.

FIG. 3A is a circuit schematic of an LED driver circuit 100 that drivesa plurality of LEDs 42A₁-42A_(n), where n is an integer.

FIG. 4 is a circuit schematic of an LED driver circuit 150 in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. It should be notedthat LED driver circuit 150 may be monolithically integrated into asingle semiconductor substrate or a single semiconductor material. LEDdriver circuit 150 includes a variable voltage source 152 and a fieldeffect transistor 154 connected to a voltage follower circuit 16 and aplurality of I/O nodes 18, 20, and 22. In embodiments in which I/O nodes18, 20, and 22 are connected to or serve as I/O pins of driver circuit150, I/O nodes 18, 20, and 22 are referred to as I/O pins. By way ofexample, voltage follower circuit 16 may be comprised of an operationalamplifier 24 coupled to a field effect transistor 26. More particularly,operational amplifier 24 has a noninverting input 28, an inverting input30, and an output 32 and transistor 26 may be a field effect transistorhaving a gate, a source, and a drain, where output 32 of operationalamplifier 24 is connected to the gate of transistor 26 and invertinginput 30 is connected to the source of transistor 26. Transistor 154 hasa gate coupled for receiving a gate drive signal V_(G154), a drain thatmay serve as or alternatively may be connected to I/O node 18 and asource connected to the drain of field effect transistor 26 to form anode that may serve as or alternatively may be connected to I/O node 20.

In operation, a circuit element 42 is coupled between I/O node 18 andI/O node 20 and a set resistor 44 may be connected between I/O node 22and a source of operating potential such as, for example, V_(SS). By wayof example, circuit element 42 is a light emitting diode having itsanode connected to I/O node 18 and its cathode connected to I/O node 20.A current equal to the sum of currents I₁₅₄ and I_(LED) flows into I/Onode 20 and a current substantially equal to the drain-to-source currentof field effect transistor 26 flows from node 20 into node 22. Thus, thecurrent flowing out of or sunk from I/O node 20, i.e., thedrain-to-source current of field effect transistor 26, is substantiallyequal to a set current I_(SET). Set current I_(SET) is generated inaccordance with Ohm's Law by developing a voltage'across set resistor44. More particularly, set current I_(SET) is generated in accordancewith a voltage signal V_(BIAS) appearing at noninverting input 28 ofoperational amplifier 24. Variable voltage source 152 places voltageV_(BIAS) having a voltage level V_(BIAS1) or V_(BIAS2) at invertinginput 28 of operational amplifier 24, where voltage V_(BIAS1) is greaterthan voltage V_(BIAS2).

In a high light emission state, a gate drive voltage V_(G154) that turnsoff transistor 154 is applied to the gate of transistor 154 and a biasvoltage V_(BIAS1) is applied to noninverting input terminal 28. By wayof example voltage V_(BIAS1) is 320 millivolts. Because operationalamplifier 24 is configured as a voltage follower, the voltage appearingat noninverting input 28 appears at inverting input 30 and therefore atI/O node 22. In accordance with embodiments in which voltage V_(SS) isat ground potential, voltage V_(BIAS1) appears across resistor 44 and acurrent I_(SET1) flows through resistor 44. For example, in response tobias voltage V_(BIAS1) being 320 millivolts, voltage V_(SS) beingground, and the resistance value of resistor 44 being 10Ω, currentI_(SET1), the drain-to-source current of transistor 26 is 32 milliamps.As discussed above, Kirchoff's Current Law provides that the sum of thecurrents entering a node equals the sum of the currents leaving thatnode. To comply with Kirchoff's Current Law, the sum of the currents atI/O node 20 is substantially equal to zero. A current equal to the sumof currents I₁₅₄ and I_(LED) flows into I/O node 20 and a currentsubstantially equal to the drain-to-source current of field effecttransistor 26 flows from node 20 into node 22. Because thedrain-to-source current of transistor 26 is substantially equal to setcurrent I_(SET), and current I₁₅₄ is substantially equal to zero, theLED current I_(LED) equals current I_(SET), which is 32 milliamps forthe example above. It should be noted that current I₁₅₄ is thedrain-to-source current of transistor 154. Thus, LED 42 emits light in ahigh light emission state.

In a low light emission state, a gate drive voltage V_(G154) that turnson transistor 154 is applied to the gate of transistor 154 and a biasvoltage V_(BIAS2) is applied to noninverting input terminal 28. By wayof example voltage V_(BIAS2) is 20 millivolts. Because operationalamplifier 24 is configured as a voltage follower, the voltage appearingat noninverting input 28 appears at inverting input 30 and therefore atI/O node 22. In accordance with embodiments in which voltage V_(SS) isat ground potential, voltage V_(BIAS2) appears across resistor 44 and acurrent I_(SET2) flows through resistor 44. For example, in response tobias voltage V_(BIAS2) being 20 millivolts, voltage V_(SS) being ground,and the resistance value of resistor 44 being 10Ω, current I_(SET2),hence the drain-to-source current of transistor 26, is 2 milliamps. Asdiscussed above, Kirchoff's Current Law provides that the sum of thecurrents entering a node equals the sum of the currents leaving thatnode. To comply with Kirchoff's Current Law, the sum of the currents atI/O node 20 is substantially equal to zero. A current equal to the sumof currents I₁₅₄ and I_(LED) flows into I/O node 20 and a currentsubstantially equal to the drain-to-source current of field effecttransistor 26 flows from node 20 into node 22. Because thedrain-to-source current of transistor 26 is substantially equal to setcurrent I_(SET), and current I₁₅₄ is substantially equal to thedrain-to-source current of transistor 26, the LED current I_(LED) issubstantially equal to zero for the example above. Thus, LED 42 is in anonconductive state and does not emit light.

FIG. 4A is a circuit schematic of an LED driver circuit 150 that drivesa plurality of LEDs 42A₁-42A_(n), where n is an integer.

FIG. 5 is a circuit schematic of an LED driver circuit 200 in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. It should be notedthat LED driver circuit 200 may be monolithically integrated into asingle semiconductor substrate or a single semiconductor material. LEDdriver circuit 200 includes a variable voltage source 152 and a fieldeffect transistor 154 connected to a voltage follower circuit 202 and aplurality of I/O nodes 18, 20, and 22. In accordance with embodiments inwhich I/O nodes 18, 20, and 22 are connected to or serve as I/O pins ofdriver circuit 200, I/O nodes 18, 20, and 22 are referred to as I/Opins. By way of example, voltage follower circuit 202 may be comprisedof an operational amplifier 24 coupled to a field effect transistor 26through a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch 204. As described withreference to FIG. 1, operational amplifier 24 has a noninverting input28, an inverting input 30, and an output 32 and transistor 26 may be afield effect transistor having a gate, a source, and a drain. Switch 204has conduction terminals 206, 208, and 210 and a control terminal 212.Output 32 of operational amplifier 24 is connected to terminal 206,terminal 208 is connected to the gate of transistor 26, terminal 210 iscoupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, forexample, V_(SS), and control terminal 212 is coupled for receiving aswitching or control signal V_(CTRL).

Transistor 154 has a gate coupled for receiving a gate signal V_(G154),a drain that may serve as or alternatively may be connected to I/O node18 and a source connected to the drain of field effect transistor 26 toform a node that may serve as or alternatively may be connected to I/Onode 20.

LED driver 200 further includes an SPDT switch 214 and a current source216 coupled between I/O node 20 and source of operating potentialV_(SS). Switch 214 has conduction terminals 218, 220, and 222 and acontrol terminal 224. Terminal 218 is connected to I/O node 20, terminal220 is connected to a conduction terminal of current source 216,terminal 222 is coupled for receiving source of operating potentialV_(SS), and control terminal 224 is coupled for receiving control signalV_(CTRL).

In operation, a circuit element 42 is coupled between I/O node 18 andI/OS node 20 and a set resistor 44 may be connected between I/O node 22and a source of operating potential such as, for example, V_(SS). By wayof example, circuit element 42 is a light emitting diode having itsanode connected to I/O node 18 and its cathode connected to I/O node 20.SPDT switches 204 and 214 are configured so that LED driver circuit 200operates in the high light emission state or the low light emissionstate.

In the high light emission state, voltage V_(G154) at the gate oftransistor 154 is set so that switching transistor 154 is off and notconducting current and switching signal V_(CTRL) configures switch 204so that output 32 of operational amplifier 24 is connected to the gateof field effect transistor 26. In addition, switching signal V_(CTRL)configures switch 214 so that both terminals of current source 216 arecoupled to the same potential, V_(SS), and substantially no currentflows along a current path from I/O node 20 through switch 214 andcurrent source 216. Switch 214 is shown in this position in FIG. 5.Connecting output terminal 32 to the gate of field effect transistor 26configures operational amplifier 24 as a voltage follower. Becauseoperational amplifier 24 is configured as a voltage follower, thevoltage appearing at noninverting input 28 appears at inverting input 30and therefore at I/O node 22. In accordance with embodiments in whichvoltage V_(SS) is at ground potential, voltage V₁₅₂ from voltage source152 appears across resistor 44 and a current I_(SET) flows throughresistor 44. Thus, in response to voltage V_(BIAS) appearing atnoninverting input 28, a set current I_(SET) flows through set resistor44. As discussed above, Kirchoff's Current Law provides that the sum ofthe currents entering a node equals the sum of the currents leaving thatnode. To comply with Kirchoff's Current Law, the sum of the currents atI/O node 20 is substantially equal to zero. Because switching transistor154 is off, LED current I_(LED) is equal to set current I_(SET), whichis sufficiently high to cause LED 42 to emit light at a high intensity.

In the low light emission state, voltage V_(G154) at the gate oftransistor 154 is set so that switching transistor 154 is on andconducting current I₁₅₄ and switching signal V_(CTRL) configuresswitches 204 and 214 so that the gate of transistor 26 is grounded andI/O node 20 is coupled to source of operating potential V_(SS) throughcurrent source 216. Because the gate of field effect transistor 26 isgrounded, transistor 26 is nonconductive. As discussed above, Kirchoff'sCurrent Law provides that the sum of the currents entering a node equalsthe sum of the currents leaving that node. To comply with Kirchoff'sCurrent Law, the sum of the currents at I/O node 20 is substantiallyequal to zero. Transistor 154 conducts a current I₁₅₄ substantiallyequal to the current of current source 216. Thus, current I_(LED) of LED42 is substantially equal to zero and LED 42 does not emit light.

FIG. 5A is a circuit schematic of an LED driver circuit 200 that drivesa plurality of LEDs 42A₁-42A_(n), where n is an integer.

FIG. 6 is a circuit schematic of a lighting system 300 in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. What is shown in FIG.6 is light intensity control network 302 having a plurality of outputsthat send Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals to corresponding LEDdriver circuits. It should be noted that the LED driver circuit may beLED driver circuit 10, LED driver circuit 100, LED driver circuit 100A,LED driver circuit 150, or LED driver circuit 200. By way of example,the LED driver circuit is LED driver circuit 100A and light intensitycontrol network 302 is configured to provide control signals for aplurality of LED driver circuits 100A. To distinguish between the LEDdriver circuits a subscripted reference character 1, . . . , q has beenappended to reference character 100A. Accordingly, LED driver circuits100A are identified as LED driver circuits 100A₁, 100A₂, . . . ,100A_(q), where q is an integer greater than or equal to 1. It should benoted that when q is one, there is a single LED driver circuit 100A₁,when q is two there are two LED driver circuits 100A, and 100A₂, etc.Similarly, reference characters 1, . . . , q have been appended to theI/O terminals of LED driver circuit 100A to distinguish them from theother LED driver circuits. Thus, LED driver circuit 100A, has I/O nodes18 ₁, 20 ₁, and 22 ₁, LED driver circuit 100A₂ has I/O nodes 18 ₂, 20 ₂,and 22 ₂, and LED driver circuit 100A_(q) has I/O nodes 18 _(q), 20_(q), and 22 _(q).

Each LED driver circuit 100A₁, . . . , 100A_(q) is connected tointensity control network 302 by one or more signal lines. Referencecharacter m indicates that intensity control network 302 is coupled toLED driver circuit 100A₁ by m signal lines, where m is an integergreater than or equal. To one, intensity control network 302 is coupledto LED driver circuit 100A₂ by k signal lines, where k is an integergreater than or equal to one, intensity control network 302 is coupledto LED driver circuit 100A_(q) by p signal lines, where p is an integergreater than or equal to one. It should be noted that m, k, and p may beequal to each other or they may be different from each other.

An LED 42 ₁ is coupled between I/O nodes 18 ₁ and 20 ₁, an LED 42 ₂ iscoupled between I/O nodes 18 ₂ and 20 ₂, an LED 42 _(q) is coupledbetween I/O nodes 18 _(q) and 20 _(q), a resistor 44 ₁ is connectedbetween I/O node 22, and source of operating potential V_(SS), aresistor 44 ₂ is connected between I/O node 22 ₂ and source of operatingpotential V_(SS), and a resistor 44 _(q) is connected between I/O node22 _(q) and source of operating potential V_(SS).

In operation, light intensity control network 302 transmits controlsignals to LED driver circuits 100A₁, 100A₂, . . . , 100A_(q). Inresponse to the control signals from light intensity control circuit302, LED driver circuits 100A₁, 100A₂, . . . , 100A_(q) stimulatecorresponding LEDs 42 ₁, 42 ₂, . . . , 42 ₉ to emit light. In accordancewith an embodiment in which q equals three (q=3), LED 42 may be a redLED, LED 42 ₂ may be a green LED, and LED 42 ₃ may be a blue LED. Theoperation of eachLED driver circuit 100A₁, 100A₂, . . . 100A_(q) hasbeen described with reference to FIG. 3. As noted above, lighting system300 may be comprised of LED driver circuits 10, 150, or 200 rather thanLED driver circuit 100A. Thus, lighting system 300 may be comprised ofintensity control network 302 coupled to 10 ₁, 10 ₂, . . . , 10 _(q);lighting system 300 may be comprised of intensity control network 302coupled to 150 ₁, 150 ₂, . . . , 150 _(q); and lighting system 300 maybe comprised of intensity control network 302 coupled to LED drivercircuits 200 ₁, 200 ₂, . . . , 200 _(q).

Although certain preferred embodiments and methods have been disclosedherein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to thoseskilled in the art that variations and modifications of such embodimentsand methods may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. It is intended that the invention shall be limited only tothe extent required by the appended claims and the rules and principlesof applicable law.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for driving a light emitting diode witha driver circuit, comprising: operating the driver circuit in acalibration phase in response to the light emitting diode emitting lightat a first level, wherein operating the driver circuit in thecalibration phase includes: providing a comparator having first andsecond inputs and an output, the second input coupled to a first nodeand the output coupled to the first node; providing a voltage followercircuit having first, second, and third terminals, the first terminalcoupled for receiving an input signal from a first digital-to-analogconverter circuit, the second terminal coupled to the first node, andthe third terminal coupled to a second node; providing a referencevoltage at the first input of the comparator; generating a first voltageat the second input of the comparator in response to a first currentthat flows from the first node and a second current that flows towardsthe first node, the second current having first and second components;and changing a level of the second current in response to the firstvoltage being more than or less than the reference voltage at the firstinput of the comparator; and operating the driver circuit in an activephase in response to the light emitting diode emitting light at a secondlevel, the second level greater than the first level, wherein operatingthe driver circuit in the active phase includes: generating a thirdcurrent that flows through the light emitting diode towards the firstnode.
 2. The method of claim 1, further including generating a controlsignal to change a level of the first component of the second current inresponse to comparing the voltage at the first node with the referencevoltage, wherein the second current is greater than the first current inresponse to the voltage at the first node being greater than thereference voltage and the second current is less than the first currentin response to the voltage at the first node being less than thereference voltage.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein changing the levelof the second current in response to the first voltage being more thanor less than the reference voltage includes changing the voltage at thefirst node to be closer to the reference voltage.
 4. The method of claim1, further including: providing a second digital-to-analog converter,wherein the second digital-to-analog converter is an n-bitdigital-to-analog converter; and providing a controlled current source,the controlled current source having a control terminal and first andsecond current carrying terminals, the control terminal coupled to then-bit digital-to-analog converter, the first current carrying terminalcoupled for receiving a source of operating potential, and the secondcurrent carrying terminal coupled to the first node, wherein changingthe level of the second current includes increasing the first componentof the second current by an amount corresponding to a least significantbit of the n-bit digital-to-analog converter in response to the firstvoltage being less than the reference voltage or decreasing the firstcomponent of the second current by an amount corresponding to a leastsignificant bit of the n-bit digital-to-analog converter in response tothe first voltage being greater than the first reference voltage.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further including generating a fourth current inresponse to the driver circuit operating in the calibration phase,wherein the fourth current flows through the light emitting diode andhas a level equal to a difference between the first current and thesecond current in response to the second current being less than thefirst current.
 6. A method for driving a light emitting diode,comprising: providing a voltage follower circuit having first, second,and third terminals; coupling a first source of current to the secondterminal; coupling a light emitting diode to the second terminal;providing a driver circuit comprising: a comparator having first andsecond inputs and an output, the first input coupled to the first nodeand a reference voltage coupled to the second input; a control circuithaving an input and an n-bit output, the input coupled to the output ofthe comparator; an n-bit digital-to-analog converter having an n-bitinput and output, the n-bit input coupled to the n-bit output of thecontrol circuit; and wherein the first source of current has a controlterminal, a first current carrying terminal and a second currentcarrying terminal, the output of the n-bit digital-to-analog convertercoupled to the control terminal of the first source of current, thefirst current carrying terminal coupled for receiving the first sourceof operating potential, and the second current carrying terminal coupledto the first node; providing a first voltage at the first input of thecomparator; operating in a calibration phase in response to receiving afirst signal at the first terminal, wherein operating in the calibrationphase includes: injecting a first current from the first source ofcurrent into a first node; adjusting the first current from the firstsource of current in response to the first voltage being greater than orless than the reference voltage; injecting a second current into thefirst node, wherein the second current flows through and causes thelight emitting diode to emit light at a first emission level, andwherein the second current is at a first level that is a nonzero leveland an intensity of the light is at a first emission level; and sinkinga third current from the first node, the third current flowing throughthe third terminal of the voltage follower circuit; operating in anactive phase in response to receiving a second signal at the firstterminal, wherein operating in the active phase includes: increasing thesecond current to a second nonzero current level that is higher than thefirst nonzero level, wherein the light emitting diode emits light at asecond emission level that is higher than the first emission level. 7.The method of claim 6, wherein providing the driver circuit furtherincludes: providing an operational amplifier having first and secondinputs and an output, wherein the first input of the operationalamplifier is coupled to the first node and to the first input of thecomparator and the second input of the operational amplifier is coupledto the second input of the comparator; providing a second source ofcurrent, the second source of current having a control electrode andfirst and second current carrying electrodes, the control electrode ofthe second source of current coupled to the output of the operationalamplifier and the second current carrying electrode coupled to the firstnode; and adjusting a fourth current from the second source of currentin response to the first voltage being greater than or less than thereference voltage.
 8. A light emitting diode driver circuit, comprising:a first amplifier having first and second inputs and an output; atransistor having a control electrode and first and second currentcarrying electrodes, the control electrode directly coupled to theoutput of the first amplifier and the second current carrying electrodecoupled to the first input of the first amplifier and to a third node,wherein the transistor provides a first current that flows at a firstcurrent level or a second current level through the first currentcarrying electrode in response to a signal at the second input of thefirst amplifier; a first current source having first and secondterminals, the first terminal coupled to the first current carryingelectrode of the transistor and to a first node and the second terminalcoupled to a second node, wherein the light emitting diode drive circuitis configured to always transmit a nonzero current through one or morediodes coupled between the first and second nodes; a comparator havingfirst and second inputs and an output, the first input coupled to thefirst node and a voltage source coupled between the second input of thecomparator and the second node; a control circuit having and input andan n-bit output, the input coupled to the output of the comparator; ann-bit digital-to-analog converter having an n-bit input and an output,the n-bit input coupled to the n-bit output of the control circuit; asecond amplifier having first and second inputs and an output, the firstinput coupled to the first input of the comparator, the second inputcoupled to the second input of the comparator and to the voltage source,and the output coupled to the first node.
 9. A light emitting diodedriver circuit, comprising: a voltage follower circuit having first andsecond current carrying terminals; a first resistor having first andsecond terminals, the first terminal coupled to the first currentcarrying terminal of the voltage follower circuit to form a third node,the voltage follower and the first resistor configured to provide afirst current capable of flowing at a first current level or a secondcurrent level through the voltage follower circuit; and a calibrationcircuit having first and second terminals, the first terminal serving asa second node and the second terminal coupled to the second currentcarrying terminal of the voltage follower circuit to form a first node,the calibration circuit comprising a first current source, the firstcurrent source having a control terminal and first and second terminalsthat serve as the first and second terminals of the calibration circuit,the second terminal of the current source coupled to the first node,wherein the calibration circuit further includes comparator having firstand second inputs and an output, the first input coupled to the firstnode and a voltage source coupled between the second input and thesecond node; a control circuit having and input and an n-bit output, theinput coupled to the output of the comparator; an n-bitdigital-to-analog converter having an n-bit input and output, the n-bitinput coupled to the n-bit output of the control circuit, the output ofthe n-bit digital-to-analog converter coupled to the control terminal ofthe first current source; a first amplifier having first and secondinputs and an output, the first input coupled to the first input of thecomparator, the second input coupled to the second input of thecomparator, and the output coupled to the first node.
 10. A lightemitting diode driver circuit, comprising: a voltage follower circuithaving first and second current carrying terminals; a first resistorhaving first and second terminals, the first terminal coupled to thefirst current carrying terminal of the voltage follower circuit to forma third node, the voltage follower and the first resistor configured toprovide a first current capable of flowing at a first current level or asecond current level through the voltage follower circuit; and acalibration circuit having first and second terminals, the firstterminal serving as a second node and the second terminal coupled to thesecond current carrying terminal of the voltage follower circuit to forma first node, the calibration circuit comprising a first current source,the first current source having a control terminal and first and secondterminals that serve as the first and second terminals of thecalibration circuit, the second terminal of the current source coupledto the first node, wherein the calibration circuit further comprises: asecond current source having a control terminal and first and secondterminals, wherein the second current source is a controlled currentsource and wherein the control terminal of the second current source iscoupled to the output of the first amplifier, the first terminal iscoupled to the second node, and the second terminal is coupled to thefirst node; a first operational amplifier having an inverting input, anoninverting input and an output, the output of the first operationalamplifier coupled to the control terminal of the second current source;a voltage source having first and second terminals, the first terminalcoupled to the second node and the second terminal coupled to thenoninverting input of the first operational amplifier; a comparatorhaving an inverting input, a noninverting input and an output, thenoninverting input of the comparator coupled to the noninverting inputof the first operational amplifier and to the second terminal of thevoltage source; and a control circuit having an input and output, theinput of the control circuit coupled to the output of the comparator andthe output of the control circuit coupled to the control terminal of thesecond current source.
 11. The light emitting diode driver circuit ofclaim 10, further including a current digital-to-analog convertercoupled between the control circuit and the control terminal of thesecond current source.
 12. A light emitting diode driver circuit,comprising: a voltage follower circuit having first and second currentcarrying terminals; a first resistor having first and second terminals,the first terminal coupled to the first current carrying terminal of thevoltage follower circuit to form a third node, the voltage follower andthe first resistor configured to provide a first current capable offlowing at a first current level or a second current level through thevoltage follower circuit; and a calibration circuit having first andsecond terminals, the first terminal serving as a second node and thesecond terminal coupled to the second current carrying terminal of thevoltage follower circuit to form a first node, the calibration circuitcomprising a first current source, the first current source having acontrol terminal and first and second terminals that serve as the firstand second terminals of the calibration circuit, the second terminal ofthe current source coupled to the first node, wherein the calibrationcircuit comprises: a voltage source having first and second terminals,the first terminal coupled to the second node; an operationaltransconductance amplifier having an inverting input, a noninvertinginput and an output, the output of the operational transconductanceamplifier coupled to the first node; a comparator having an invertinginput, a noninverting input and an output, the noninverting input of thecomparator coupled to the noninverting input of the operationaltransconductance amplifier and to the voltage source and the invertinginput of the comparator coupled to the inverting input of theoperational transconductance amplifier and to the first node; and acontrol circuit having an input and output, the input coupled to theoutput of the comparator and the input coupled to the control terminalof the first current source.
 13. The light emitting diode driver circuitof claim 12, further including a current digital-to-analog convertercoupled between the control circuit and the control terminal of thefirst current source and a second current source having a controlterminal coupled to the output of the operational transconductanceamplifier, a first terminal coupled to the second node, and a secondterminal coupled to the first node.